Residents urged to ‘fight the bite’ after heavy rains

Heath officials are warning residents to take quick action to prevent mosquito breeding around their homes following recent heavy rainfall.

The Environmental Health Division said last Thursday that property owners should check their surroundings and eliminate standing water to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

“Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases remain a serious public health concern, and prevention begins at the household level,” said acting Chief Environmental Health Officer Henrietta Alexander. “By taking simple steps after heavy or consistent rains, the community can significantly reduce mosquito populations and disease risk.”

‘Fight the bite’

As part of the efforts to inform the community, the division has launched an education campaign themed “Fight the Bite: Prevent and Protect, Day and Night.”

To protect themselves, residents are asked to take the following steps: • turn over or discard empty water receptacles;
• tightly cover water storage containers;
• clear drains and gutters;
• dispose of any unused items that collect rainwater; and
• regularly check yards, balconies and surrounding areas for standing water.

Reporting issues

Officials noted that mosquitoes breed rapidly in stagnant water, and even small amounts trapped in common household items can produce hundreds of insects in a matter of days.

Buckets, drums, flowerpots, discarded containers, old tyres, tarpaulins and uncovered cisterns are common breeding sites when left holding rainwater, according to the agency.

For more information or to report mosquito-breeding concerns, contact the Environmental Health Division at 468-5110 or [email protected].